Prime Minister Theresa May visited the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Daresbury Laboratories in Cheshire. This was the first ever meeting of the regional cabinet, during which the PM pledged £556 million to boost the Northern Powerhouse scheme.

The visit also provided an opportunity for selected business leaders from the Innovation campus to meet with the Prime Minister and discuss industry's role in post-Brexit Britain.

"This was a valuable opportunity to share with the Prime Minister the good, bad and ugly aspects of leading a small high tech business in a changing UK landscape", said Perceptive Engineering's MD David Lovett.

"It was particularly encouraging to see engagement outside of the capital, with a clear message of countrywide Industrial Strategy. We look forward to seeing the Green Paper and actively contributing to the strategy."